Abdul Baba Rahman, who recently joined Greek Side PAOK Thessaloniki, is set to begin his journey with his new team at the start of this new season.
He signed a three-year deal with the Greek giants.
Πρεμιέρα στην Τούμπα κόντρα στον @AsterasfcTwit στην #StoiximanSuperLeague 2023-24 @Super_League_GR #PAOK #FightBack pic.twitter.com/2sCgmxvo69
— PAOK FC (@PAOK_FC) July 17, 2023
The Black Stars' international fullback is about to embark on his second spell at the club after he had spent the 2020/2021 season with the Greek giants. After his contract with Chelsea was terminated by mutual agreement, he immediately set his sights on joining PAOK. He still had one year left on his deal with Chelsea before the contract termination.
PAOK Thessaloniki begin their 2023/2024 campaign with a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying fixture against Israeli side, Beitar Jerusalem, on 27 July. They will host their opponents from Israel at the Toumba stadium for the first leg of the tie before travelling to the Teddi Malcha Stadium in Jerusalem on the 3rd of August.
After this two-legged tie, PAOK will begin their Greek Super League campaign on the 19th of August against Asteras Tripolis. It will be their first home game of the season in the League.
Baba Rahman will hope to become a key player once again for this club in his second spell in order to help his team qualify for the Conference League and go as far as winning the Greek League title.
PAOK unveils Baba Rahman🇬🇭 as their new left-back.. pic.twitter.com/YkOd8Z74es
— King Eben (@King__Eben) July 10, 2023
Baba Rahman’s first PAOK spell was a success
With his struggles to displace the likes of Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso, who were Chlsea’s main starters at the time, the Ghanaian was sent to Greece in order to find game time.
The loan lasted only half a season but was successful as the 28-year-old was instrumental to his team’s success from the fullback position. He helped them become Greek Cup champions in what is his second-ever trophy as a professional footballer.
The former Asante Kotoko player spoke about his motivations behind coming back to PAOK and how the club made him feel wanted. Their desire to have him at the club again convinced him to play there despite offers from other clubs around.
“I think PAOK has always been in contact with me for the last two years,” he said.
“I think it’s the right move for me because you have to go where you feel really wanted and desired. Although I had different offers, I felt PAOK was a family to me.”
“I spoke with the coach,” he continued.
“He really expressed his desire to have me here and it’s something I really appreciate and made me choose PAOK.”
Baba Rahman will hope that his new and permanent surroundings will help him keep his place in the Ghanaian national football team.
He will be keen to add to his 35 caps and one for the country as he sets his sights on AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast in January 2024.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
